Garden Valley School Division

Students from NPC’s Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program wrapped up a successful year by donating nearly $4,000 to local organizations. Working with the Winkler Community Foundation, the students raised $1,223 and received an additional $2,500 from the YIP Endowment Fund. Their donations supported programs like Mindful Munchkins, cancer patient resources, and children’s activities at Genesis House. Through hands-on fundraising events and volunteer work, students developed leadership skills, built confidence, and gained insight into community needs. The experience left students feeling proud of their impact and excited to recommend the program to others.

Read more at pembinavalleyonline.com

GVSD is exploring the implementation of the Big Picture Learning model in Winkler. This innovative high school approach focuses on personalized, real-world learning through mentorship, hands-on projects, and community involvement. Instead of traditional classroom instruction, students would spend time working with mentors in areas like media, healthcare, or trades while gaining experience and earning credits by connecting their work to Manitoba curriculum outcomes. GVC principal Carrie Friesen is leading the study, emphasizing the model’s potential to better meet the needs of creative, self-directed learners.

Read the full article at winnipegsun.com

Wes Klippenstein, a talented student from Altona, has earned national recognition by winning gold in the Electrical Installations category at the 2025 Skills Canada Competition. Representing Northlands Parkway Collegiate, Wes stood out among competitors from across the country with his precision and technical expertise. This achievement follows his earlier success at the Skills Manitoba Competition, where he secured both gold and bronze medals in recent years. His outstanding performance now qualifies him to represent Manitoba on the national stage, further showcasing the high level of skill development happening in the region. Wes’s accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the support and quality of vocational training in southern Manitoba. As he prepares for the national competition, his hometown of Altona and the entire GVSD school community are proudly cheering him on.

Read the full article at PembinaValleyOnline.com

Students at Winkler Elementary School raised over $900 for local charities through their participation in the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program. This initiative encouraged students to engage in fundraising efforts while learning about civic responsibility, charitable giving, and the importance of supporting their community. Through their hard work and generosity, the students made a meaningful contribution to local organizations, demonstrating compassion and leadership at a young age. The program not only empowered students to make a difference but also celebrated their role in fostering positive change within their community.

Read the full article on Pembina Valley Online.

Garden Valley Collegiate's (GVC) Jazz Café recently captivated an audience of over 200 guests, showcasing the school's vocal jazz groups and jazz band in a heartfelt end-of-season performance. The event highlighted the students' musical talents and the culmination of their year's dedication. Emotions ran high as senior students delivered their final performances, marking a significant milestone in their musical journeys. The packed venue underscored the strong community support for GVC's music program, celebrating both the students' achievements and the educators' commitment to fostering artistic growth. The evening served as a testament to the power of music in bringing people together and the lasting impact of arts education.

Read the full article at PembinaValleyOnline. Images courtesy of PembinaValleyOnline.

Garden Valley School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Waldner as Vice-Principal of Northlands Parkway Collegiate.

On May 13, Border Valley School Unit Principal Donovan Giesbrecht had the opportunity to present at the Garden Valley School Division Board Meeting on the character education initiative taking place in the school community. His presentation began with the essential question: What do we want for our kids?

In today's educational landscape, contemporary learning emphasizes the Global Competencies, also known as the "6 Cs": citizenship, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and character. Of these, character is often somewhat overlooked or reframed as connection-to-self. Border Valley’s emphasis is on character, acknowledging that true character includes self-awareness or connection, but is more about acquiring the personal virtues that enable us to serve others and our community.

Read more at www.gvsd.ca

Please join us in congratulating Joel Swaan on his recent election as Vice-President of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society!
This is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of Joel’s dedication to education, advocacy, and leadership. We’re proud to see his commitment recognized at the provincial level and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make for educators and students across Manitoba.